According to WHO, about 17.9 million deaths occur due to heart diseases or disorders of blood vessels, globally, each year. And 4 out of 5 Cardiovascular deaths occurs due to heart attacks and strokes.Most of the time heart attacks and strokes are sudden, and they are caused due to plaques formed in the arteries that cause blockage in the arteries leading to lesser blood supply to brain and heart.These blockage are formed due to unhealthy foods and lifestyle.So, What diet should you take for a healthy heart?1. Oats:Oat meals are rich in fibers and are known to decrease total cholesterol levels including triglycerides, Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol by 5 to 10% and increase good cholesterols also known as High- Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.Decrease in cholesterol levels is essential for a healthy heart.2. Healthy fats in diet:Fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which helps in reducing inflammation and promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.3.Berries:Eating strawberries, blue berries and raspberries can reduce inflammation in the body as they have antioxidants like anthocyanins which are known to improve overall heart health.4.Nuts:Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts in diet can increase the level of fibres, and proteins in the body and helps reducing inflammation and bad cholesterol in the body leading to improved heart health.Lastly you can also have Dark chocolates as a delicious source to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure due to their antioxidant properties which ultimately results in healthy heart.Including avocado, wholegrains, lentils and green vegetables in diet can help improve your heart health. But doing physical exercise and meditation, and reducing stress are also major factors that can be beneficial to have a healthy heart.Source:-1. Cardiovascular diseases. (2024, May 15). Cardiovascular diseases. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases2. Casas, R., Castro-Barquero, S., Estruch, R., & Sacanella, E. (2018). Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(12), 3988. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms191239883. Chen W, Zhang S, Hu X, Chen F, Li D. A Review of Healthy Dietary Choices for Cardiovascular Disease: From Individual Nutrients and Foods to Dietary Patterns. Nutrients. 2023; 15(23):4898. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu152348984. Mitra, A., Pradhan, R., & Mukherjee, S. (2009). Importance of heart-healthy diet. Journal of Human Ecology, 27(1), 53-61.Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h..https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

What is angina?Angina is a medical condition in which there is pain and discomfort in the chest due to insufficient blood reaching the heart. Managing angina is important, as it can prevent the progression of other severe heart conditions.What are the treatment options available for angina?Recent and advanced treatments for angina focus on improving blood flow, relieving symptoms and avoiding further complications, some of which include the following:1. Medicines like Nitroglycerin:Nitroglycerin is an important drug in the treatment of angina which works to dilate the blood vessels. Dilating blood vessels allows more blood flow which reduces the workload of the heart and provides relief in pain. This medicine is also prescribed for long term treatment.Suggested Read: What Happens During an Angina Attack? Learn the Warning Signs and Symptoms!2. Lifestyle Changes:Lifestyle modification (modification in diet and exercise) is a crucial step in angina treatment. Regular exercise and physical activities like running, swimming or cycling improve blood circulation so that more blood flows to the heart. Additionally, a heart-healthy diet like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also helps in reducing risk factors for the heart.Suggested Read: Lower cholesterol and improve heart health with pumpkin seeds!3. Surgical interventions:In individuals with severe angina which does not respond to medication and lifestyle changes, surgical procedures like angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are performed to correct angina. These procedures also improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the pain of angina.Suggested Read: Is Cold Weather Bad for Your Heart4. Seeking medical attention:It is important for any individual suffering from angina to consult a doctor as soon as possible. After proper tests and diagnosis, doctors create a personalized treatment plan for the patient that addresses the individual's needs and risk factors.With early detection and effective management, angina can be controlled and appropriate treatment can be employed.Suggested Read: Is Your Chest Pain a Warning Sign of Something More Serious? Don't Ignore These Symptoms

Today, we are going to talk about important tips and precautions to take while working out, especially if you have health issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.Exercising is great for your health but it's crucial to be mindful of certain factors to prevent heart attacks.Pre-gym health checks: Before you hit the gym, make sure to get these tests done. Cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to heart issues.Blood pressure: Knowing your blood pressure helps prevent hypertension. Sugar level: High blood sugar can lead to diabetes.Understand your health: It's essential to talk to your doctor about your health conditions. Discuss conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Your doctor can advise on the types of exercises that are safe and effective for you.Avoid intense workouts initially: Don't jump into intense workouts right away. Start with normal workouts and gradually increase the intensity. Always remember to warm up beforeany intense exercise to prevent strain on your heart.Limit sugar intake: The FDA recommends that a healthy adult should not consume more than 30 grams of sugar per day. Excessive sugar can lead to diabetes and obesity.Limit salt intake: Similarly, a healthy person should not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day as high salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and other heart diseases.Monitor your health regularly: Keep track of your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Blood pressure. A systolic pressure of 120 to 130 mm/hg and diastolic pressure of 70 to 80 mmhg is considered normal. Anything higher is considered hypertension.Blood sugar. A normal range is 70 to 100 mg dl. Higher levels indicate hyperglycemia.Cholesterol. Total cholesterol less than 200 mg per deciliter is normal. Higher levels indicate high cholesterol.By following these tips and precautions, you can make your gym sessions safer and more effective. Always remember to consult with your health care professional for personalized advice. Stay healthy and keep exercising.Source:-1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/phy_active.pdf2. Heart Health Checklist. (n.d.). Heart Health Checklist. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://osumedicine.com/heart-health-checklist/Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h...https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

What is a heart attack?A heart attack is a condition of obstructed blood flow to the heart. It results due to blockage of arteries through fats and cholesterol buildup in the arteries of the heart. It starts with a feeling of tightness or pain in the chest but moves down to your arms, shoulder, and neck.Suggested Read: Lower cholesterol and improve heart health with pumpkin seeds!What is the cause of a heart attack?A complete or partial blockage of arteries of the heart resulting from plague deposits whichcan narrow the arteries, decreasing blood flow to the heart.A heart attack can even occur as a result of strong spasm in the unblocked arteries supplying blood to the heart.Sometimes a viral infectioncan also lead to a heart attack in serious cases.Suggested Read: Causes and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure!What are the symptoms of a heart attack?Chest pain and pressure or tightness in the chest.Cold sweat.Lightheadedness.Nausea.FatigueNumbnessIndigestion.Vomiting.Shortness of breathSuggested Read: Is Your Chest Pain a Warning Sign of Something More Serious? Don't Ignore These SymptomsWhat to do when someone is having a heart attack?1. Call Emergency Services: The first thing someone should do while encountering a heart attack is to dial the emergency number for immediate medical help.2. Position the Person: Have the person sit comfortably with their back and head supported by a wall or pillow, and their knees bent. Keep the area properly ventilated.3. Reassure Them: Encourage the person to stay calm and try to reassure them. Tell them not to panic as it can further worsen the condition.4. Administer Prescribed Nitrates: If the person has been prescribed nitrates for chest pain, give them their medication as soon as possible.5. Give Aspirin: Provide the person with an aspirin tablet (300 to 350 mg). Dissolve it in water or have them chew it completely. This may help save their life as aspirin helps in preventing clot or plaque formation in the blood vessels that can cause a heart attack.Note: Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16 years of age or those allergic to aspirin.6. Prepare for CPR: If the person becomes unconscious, be ready to perform CPR. If their condition worsens, use a defibrillator. CPR involves hard chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which improves blood flow to the brain and body, potentially helping the person survive.Suggested Read: What Happens During an Angina Attack? Learn the Warning Signs and Symptoms!What not to do when someone is having a heart attack?1. Don’t Panic: Stay calm and focused and help the person with all the necessary first aid steps.2. Don’t Leave Them Alone: Ensure the person is not left unattended, stay close to them.3. Don’t Misinterpret the Pain: Don’t assume the pain is related to gastric issues or heartburn. Always check for the possibilities.Suggested Read: Is Cold Weather Bad for Your Heart

Do you know what cholesterol is?It's actually a fatty substance that's produced by your liver. It's pretty important because it helps with the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. But here's the thing: cholesterol can't travel through your bloodstream on its own. That's where lipoproteins come in. These particles are made from fat and protein and carry cholesterol and triglycerides through your bloodstream.There are two types of lipoproteins: LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL(High Density Lipoprotein). LDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad cholesterol" because it carries cholesterol to your arteries. If you have too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up on the walls of your arteries in the form of cholesterol plaque. This plaque can narrow your arteries, which can limit your blood flow and increase your risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.But don't worry, there's also "good cholesterol" called HDL cholesterol. HDL helps return LDL cholesterol to your liver to be removed from your body. This can prevent cholesterol plaque from building up in your arteries. Having healthy levels of HDL cholesterol can help lower your risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.Now, here's the thing: high cholesterol often has no symptoms early on, so it's important to get regular cholesterol level check-ups. Stay on top of your health game and keep those cholesterol levels in check!Source:- https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol#what-it-isDisclaimer:- This information is intended to supplement, not substitute, advice from your healthcare provider or doctor. It does not cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or side effects, and may not be appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing any prescribed portion of your healthcare plan or treatment, in order to determine the best course of therapy for you. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h...https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

What are pumpkin seeds?Pumpkin contains flat-oval seeds, also known as “pepitas”, which are roasted and eaten as a healthy snack. These seeds are highly nutritious containing valuable nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium.Suggested Read: Is Your Chest Pain a Warning Sign of Something More Serious? Don't Ignore These SymptomsWhat are the health benefits of pumpkin seeds?It has anti-inflammatory effects.It helps you in preventing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.It contains anti-cancer properties that can prevent breast cancer and prostate cancer.It improves the health of the prostate gland and helps with symptoms of swollen prostate.It is found to be effective in controlling the frequency of urination in people who need to pee very often and urgently.It is rich in magnesium, so munching pumpkin seeds before helps in inducing better sleep.It keeps your heart healthy.Suggested Read: What Happens During an Angina Attack? Learn the Warning Signs and Symptoms!How do pumpkin seeds contribute to lowering cholesterol and improving heart health?Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack that can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. These tiny seeds are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart.The fiber in pumpkin seeds helps to lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the gut and preventing them from being reabsorbed into the body. This forces the liver to produce more bile, which in turn uses up cholesterol to make more bile acids. As a result, the overall level of cholesterol in the body decreases.Pumpkin seeds are also high in unsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, they contain antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium, which protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals.So if you're looking for a heart-healthy snack, try incorporating pumpkin seeds into your diet. Not only are they delicious, but they can also help keep your heart happy and healthy!Suggested Read: Is Cold Weather Bad for Your Heart

For individuals with low blood pressure, maintaining optimal levels can be challenging. However, for those with low blood pressure, it can be beneficial to explore foods that have the potential to increase blood pressure naturally.1). Salty Solutions: Sodium is notorious for its impact on blood pressure. Consuming foods rich in sodium, such as table salt, pickles, processed meats, and certain snack items, can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure. Salt works by attracting water, increasing blood volume, and subsequently raising blood pressure levels.2). Caffeine Kick: In moderate amounts, caffeine can have a stimulating effect on blood pressure. Beverages like coffee and tea contain caffeine that can temporarily elevate blood pressure by stimulating the heart and constricting blood vessels.3). Sweet Indulgence: Sugary treats like candies, sodas, and desserts may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. When consumed in excess, these sugary delights can lead to weight gain and potentially contribute to long-term high blood pressure.4). Alcohol Alert: While moderate alcohol consumption may have potential health benefits, excessive alcohol intake can lead to a temporary spike in blood pressure. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, causing blood vessels to relax and widening their diameter. This relaxation can result in increased blood flow and higher blood pressure levels.Eating a balanced diet can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, even when consuming foods that may increase blood pressure.Disclaimer:- This information is intended to supplement, not substitute, advice from your healthcare provider or doctor. It does not cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or side effects, and may not be appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing any prescribed portion of your healthcare plan or treatment, in order to determine the best course of therapy for you. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h... https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/

What Type of Drink can Exacerabate Your Blood Pressure ?1. Coffee: Coffee contains caffeine, which can increase blood pressure levels by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate. This effect can last for up to three hours after drinking coffee.2. Energy drinks: Energy drinks are often high in caffeine and sugar, which can increase blood pressure levels. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause the blood vessels to constrict, while sugar can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.3. Soda: Regular consumption of soda has been linked to higher blood pressure levels due to its high sugar content. Excess consumption of sugar can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.4. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure levels by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate. It can also damage the walls of blood vessels, making them stiffer and narrower.5. Sports drinks: Sports drinks can contain high levels of sugar and sodium, which can increase blood pressure levels. Excess consumption of sugar can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure, while high levels of sodium can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure.It's essential to be mindful of what you drink, especially if you have high blood pressure. Avoiding or limiting drinks that increase blood pressure can help you manage your condition better.Disclaimer:- This information is intended to supplement, not substitute, advice from your healthcare provider or doctor. It does not cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or side effects, and may not be appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing any prescribed portion of your healthcare plan or treatment, in order to determine the best course of therapy for you. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h...https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/